Tea and much more, Margaret’s Deck, Kurseong

Margaret’s Deck, Kurseong

Tea and much more

See also: Maragaret’s Deck FAM

Kurseong, has always lived in the shadows of his more illustrious sister Darjeeling, considered as the queen of the hills. Kurseong, literally meaning the land of the white orchid, has always been a quick stop for a bite of momo and a gulp of tea, for tourists heading for Darjeeling. (Also read: Kurseong, the land of white orchid)

Margaret’s Deck Tea Lounge, Kurseong

The small eateries and road side sacks have served plates of steaming plates of momos and bowls of thupkas to hungry tourist heading for Darjeeling. But now there is a difference, enter Margaret’s Deck, an exclusive tea lounge. Margaret’s Deck is an initiative of Goodricke Tea Pot at the Margaret Hope tea garden in Kurseong.

Decor of Margaret’s Deck, Kurseong

Located just a few hundred yards north of the Tung Station on the famous Darjeeling Himalayan railway (DHR) (Also read: Chasing the DHR and Date with DHR) the Margaret’s Deck is shaped like a ship deck, which offers a 270 degree view of the rolling hills of the Margaret Hope tea garden, however the snow peaks are not visible.

A typical continental breakfast with a cup of muscatel tea, Margaret’s Deck, Kurseong

The plantation of the Margaaret Hope tea garden dates back to 1862 when it was known as Chota Ringtong (some say Bada Ringtong). It was managed by Mr. Cruickshank, her youg daughter fell in love with the lush green hills and meandering avenues of the tea estate.

Musicians, Margaret’s Deck, Kurseong

Sadly Margaret’s love affair with the hill was short lived, as she had to make a journey back home to England.

She promised to return soon, but her promise was never kept as a sudden illness grasped her on her voyage home and she passed away never to return again.

Her father christened the garden Margaret Hope and today the Margaret’s Deck stand as a mute witness to Margaret’s eternal love for the amazing tea estate.

The Margaret’s Deck consists of two parts, the lobby and the restaurant area with an open kitchen. The lobby had a small outlet, where visitors could pick up packets of exotic tea.

Fellow bloggers enjoying the music before dinner, Margaret’s Deck, Kurseong

The lobby, with interesting posters on tea, serves as an waiting area and also doubles up as a tea tasting area for special guests.

I was invited, along with a host of other bloggers, for a food and tea tasting session at the Margaret’s Deck, so I was privileged enough to attend the tea tasting session. (Also read: Tea Tasting at Margaret’s Hope)

The small tea lounge has a sitting capacity of about 30, including an outdoor section with a capacity of 10.  It is located very next to the narrow gauge tracks of the famous Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), and if you are lucky you can witness the Toy Train go past the Margaaret’s Deck (Also see: Date with DHR)

Varieties of Soup, Margaret’s Deck, Kurseong

The menu at the Margaret’s Deck is a strict continental affair, it is  filled with items not easily found around. So there are no momos and thupkas on the list.

Main Course, Margaret’s Deck, Kurseong

For tea its a total local affair. Different varieties of Darjeeling Tea are on the top of the list. First flush, second flush, monsoon flush and exotic muscatel tea are very much in demand.

Margaret’s Deck Desserts

Assam Tea also features in the list along with a host of flavored and blended tea. Margarte’s Deck also serves a variety of tea mocktail and once the bar license is issued they plan to come up with a variety of tea cocktails.

Green Tea Cookies, Margaret’s Deck, Kurseong

The menu is snakish and the exotic teas are complemented with an assortment of cakes and cookies. The Green Tea Cookies are an absolute must try.

Croissants, quiches, grilled fish, scones, brownies and  cheesecakes can also be paired with the varieties of teas.

Margarte’s Deck also serves continental breakfast consisting of sausages and beacons.

Lunch and dinner are light and consisting of three courses. Consisting of varieties of soups like the Mushroom Soup. Main course consists of various options like Shepherds Pie and Stuffed Chicken. The options for desserts are Soufflé, Trifle and Caramel Custard.

Margaret’s Deck Menu (Feb 2017) (Click to enlarge)

Note: This article is part of a FAM Trip organised by Goodricke with MSL Group as the PR agency.

Special Thanks:

• To the entire Goodricke team at Margaret’s Hope, Goodricke Teapot, Kurseong for the endless cups of teas, the wwouth watering food and the warm hospitality
• To Anushka of MSL Group for all the coordination
• To all my fellow bloggers Poorna, Dolon, Indrani, Manjulika abd Aditi